Quick Paint Update to a Dresser

This dresser is one of those items you remember having for the most part of your life, a great piece of furniture that you still think is a valuable piece, but you're not that crazy about it any longer.

Well, that's how Mr. RLC felt about this piece, he was very proud to bring this dresser to our almost empty new home 20 years ago, and he still likes it, but he was open to give it a needed update.

Besides taking off the mirror, nothing was done to it during all those years. It is still a strong, sound piece that I like to keep in my bedroom.

The update was quick, just paint. I used chalk-paint, since I wanted a light distressed look. For this particular project I gave the home made chalk-paint a try, in favor of keeping costs down.
There are many recipes on the web for DIY chalk-paint, some of them like this one here, use calcium carbonate, while there are many others that use Plaster of Paris (POP), like this one here, or this one here the one I followed since I already had POP.

Hello, I love how this dresser turned out. Such a simple change but what a difference it makes. I have a dresser that I am going to try this out on Thank you! One note about DIY chalk paint recipes, which I have done myself and was very happy with, adding POP or some other additive, doesn't make it true chalk paint. It is still Latex paint. For some people they use chalk or milk paints are they are allergic to latex or wish to be a bit greener in paint choices. Just thought your readers should have both sides of the story ;) (and no, I am NOT a chalk paint stockist :-D)

That sure changed the look of it from old to modern day. Nice job, Cristina. BTW- You DO know that you are No Reply when you leave a comment on blogs, right? Just know that I really appreciate your comments I just can't send you a thank you- xo Diana

I LOVE this transformation sooo much. I have been obsessed with the mixed wood/paint look for a while now, but I don't have any nice wooden pieces to paint. Yours turned out so beautifully. The paint brings out the details so nicely, but the wood grain on the flat front doors is to pretty to cover up. I adore this!

I like it! A little pop of white, and you can still that that beautiful wood grain! I'd love for you to share it at my first ever DIY:Done! link party at FlyingC-DIY.com. Its open now through Sunday, and I'll be partying every weekend! Hope to see you there!!

I love how this turned out Cristina! I like the contrast between the wood and white. My favorite homemade chalkpaint uses the calcium carbonate. I ordered some from Amazon, after trying POP and like it so much more. Have a super weekend! ~Deborah

I love what you did to this old beauty. I think the wood grain is just too pretty to paint over entirely, this is perfect with just a pop of new life. Love the handles too. I have a dresser almost identical to this and it really needs a little something. Thanks for the inspiration.

Love this update...I have used homemade and store bought plaster/chalk paint and I do like it! But what I am drooling over is your little Lane box on the top of the dresser! If you check out my site you will see it is one of "my favorite things!" Always on the lookout for them! If you ever want to spruce it up, easily strip it with Formby's furniture refinisher or lacquer thinner, then just wipe it down with tung oil...AMAZING! Again, beautiful work! Beck at beckwithstreasures.com

Thanks Beck! I'm liking the homemade version, though I'm planning on doing a review on how the paint is holding up, perhaps at the end of the year. The little Lane box belongs to my husband, he has a small collection. Thanks so much for sharing how to spruce them! I think I'm going to do it :)